NSELA catalyzes leadership to maximize effective science teaching and learning in a complex and changing environment. If you are receiving this email and are not a member, we encourage you to join us and get involved!

November 2023

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EDUCATE
Keeping current with news in science education.

President's Message

As President of NSELA, I will admit to being passionate about the amazing phenomena around us… I will also admit that while traveling on October 14th, 2023, and landing at the SEATAC airport about the time the Annular Eclipse was beginning in that region, I just happened to have 40 pair of eclipse glasses in my backpack. Hoping for a moment just like this, I shared them with many travelers who were able to watch the progression of the eclipse as we waited for our flights. There is so much science in the world around us each day, it was fun to share and celebrate.

Autumn has been a busy time for NSELA!

The NSELA President is invited each year to attend the New Jersey Science Convention, which is an exciting, bustling event with engaged science educators from across the state. They have been holding this Convention for 47 years, and their expertise shows! The Convention attracts talented presenters, lots of vendors, and the local science educators return year after year!

Six days later kicked off the NSTA National Conference in Kansas City, also an excellent event. Again, lots of energetic, motivated science educators, and a host of speakers with so much insight. NSELA facilitated a strand of Leadership sessions as part of a Leadership Institute hosted by NSTA. The opportunity to network across the continent with amazing organizations, all orchestrating incredible opportunities for our students, is inspiring.

As you think about the work you do in your District, or Region, who are the remarkable people who surround you and make good things happen for kids and teachers? Please consider nominating those people for the Outstanding Leadership in Science Education Award. Write a one to two page letter describing the incredible work they are doing, and provide an opportunity for their excellent work to be recognized. Go to nsela.org for more information about how to nominate yourself or someone else for the OLISE Award.

Who are those organized people around you who should consider positions as Secretary, Region Director, or President-Elect of NSELA? Go to nsela.org for more information.

Enjoy the changing of the seasons, the inspiration of the dynamic educators who surround you, and the joy of the students who are discovering so many ideas in our schools.

NSELA Nomination Portal Open!

It’s election time for NSELA’s governing body! NSELA’s success in supporting science education leadership is dependent upon a knowledgeable, dedicated, volunteer, decision-making Board of Directors. The NSELA nominations portal is now open on the NSELA web site. This year’s cycle is accepting nominations for:

• President-Elect
• Secretary
• Region B Director
• Region D Director

Nominations are accepted up until November 20, 2023. The Nominations Committee will meet to review nominations, electronic ballots will go out to the membership the first week of December, and candidates will be notified in January.

ADVOCATE
Connecting with NSELA committees, events, and leaders.

Leadership Spotlight

Jessica Pritchard - Piscataway High School and 2023 VESELS Scholar

From Jessica's Nominator: This past month alone, Jessica presented at the New Jersey Science Teacher's Conference to support STEM leaders in creating a shared vision to build strong teams. Jessica works diligently to inspire teachers in her district to use experiential learning outside the classroom with partnerships with Rutger's University and their eco-lab. She uses these local resources as spaces that extend the learning beyond the classroom. In doing so, she re-charges the excitement for teaching and learning in her teaching and inspires curiosity and engagement with the learners that they inspire. Jessica models curiosity in her 

conversations as a lifelong learner and continues to build her professional network and impact by taking risks in trying new things and initiating new ways to engage young learners in exploring the world around them. Jessica's willingness to encourage science educational leaders to build a community for a shared vision that builds collaborative partnerships, mentorships, and elevate leadership capacity in students and teachers alike is a testament to her commitment to building a culture of excellence.

1. Can you share a bit about your education background?

This is my fifth year as Science Department Chair of Piscataway High School in NJ after being a classroom teacher for 8 years. I graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Cell Biology & Neuroscience, and continued at Rutgers Graduate School of Education for a Master’s in Science Education. Over the years, I’ve have many additional enriching learning opportunities, including Educational Leadership internships, NGSS state alignment workshop participation, NJSLA-S state committee memberships, & most recently, being a NSELA VESELS scholar.

2. What advice do you have for those pursuing science leadership?

So much of being a science leader is just remembering that we are all human beings. Walk into every situation curiously. Even when you think you know all of the information or all of the details, you don’t. Since the first day I became a department chair, I have tried my best to embody servant leadership – recognizing that most of my job is super simple – to just make my teachers’ jobs easier.

Do you have someone in mind for the Leadership Spotlight? Self-nominations are welcome! Click the button to access the submission form.

Apply for NSELA's OLISE Award - Due Nov. 20!

Do you know (or are you) an outstanding leader in science education? If so, nominate an NSELA member for the 2023-2024 OLISE award! Apply today! Applications are have been extended to November 20, 2023!

Join an NSELA Committee and Help Shape National Science Education!

At NSELA, collaboration and shared expertise are crucial in driving positive change in science education. We invite you to become a committee member and contribute to shaping our organization's direction while advancing national science education. Our three standing committees - Communications & Marketing, Membership, and Professional Learning - provide incredible opportunities for experienced educators, enthusiastic advocates, and dedicated professionals like you to share your unique skills and insights. By joining us, you can make a meaningful impact on the future of science education. Come and be a part of something meaningful! Join us today and become a valuable member of NSELA, where your contributions will shape the landscape of science education nationwide. Together, let's create a brighter future for science education.

Call for Proposals - 2024 NSELA Leadership Summit

The Leadership Summit is a one-day, intensive professional learning opportunity where science leaders from around the country come together to advance our mission to “maximize effective science teaching and learning in a complex and changing environment.”

This year’s theme of “Elevating All Students in Science: Reaching New Heights for Equity and Instruction” is looking to attend to this mission by providing science leaders with the tools and knowledge on how to effectively meet the “All Standards, All Students” expectation of three-dimensional learning and teaching. Workshop proposals will be accepted until Friday, November 17, 2023. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the PL Committee Chair, Matt Christiansen, at professional.learning@nsela.org.

NSELA 2024 Leadership Summit

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

the Curtis Denver - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Denver, Colorado

COLLABORATE
Highlighting the work of our members, partners, and other organizations.

Featured Free Resource

PAEMST

The Presidential Awards for Excellence is Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) celebrated its 40-year anniversary this October. Their website has several resources to support outreach and encourage nominations. These include an email template, and sample Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter) graphics.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) administers the Presidential Awards Program for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for the White House which began in 1983 to highlight excellent teaching in mathematics and the sciences. The PAEMST program is operated under contract from NSF which subcontracts with both the Council of State Science Supervisors (CSSS) and the Association of State Supervisors of Mathematics (ASSM). Each year a math and science awardee from each state and U.S. territory is selected in a national review process. Presidential awardees earn a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend recognition and professional development events, and a $10,000 award from NSF.

This year, K-6 STEM educators qualify to be nominated. Consider nominating yourself or a colleague! Nominations close January 8, 2024.

Announcements

Wade Institute for Science Education: Several workshops and professional learning opportunities are available including topics of culturally relevant phenomena, sensemaking and discourse, and engaging students in the science and engineering practices. View this link to learn more and register.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: The CDC Science Ambassador Fellowship is the only program of its kind offered by CDC for STEM teachers and educational leaders interested in bringing public health sciences into middle- and high- school classrooms. This competitive fellowship includes a 5-day summer course at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, and a 1-year distance-based professional development opportunity. Learn more and apply here.

Advertise in the NSELA Newsletter

Would your organization like to reach the science leadership audience that is NSELA? Or do you know of an organization that would like to advertise? View this brochure to learn more! Please pass along to your colleagues.

SAFER LABS: Be Protected!
By Dr. Ken Roy, NSELA Safety Compliance Officer

Safter At-Home Food Science Investigations

At-home science experiments bring up countless hands-on investigations that don’t mention wearing any lab aprons and/or lab coats or any lab safety goggles or safety glasses. And these experiments rarely or never mention the hazards and resulting risks of biological or chemical cross-contamination in food and/or beverage use or product development in hands-on activities done at home. Check out this important safety blog commentary. Not only will you be protecting students and their family, you also will be protecting yourself and your school district from potential legal issues should someone get hurt resulting from at home science activities you assigned dealing with food!

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